Your first job interview is a big deal. You want to make the best impression possible, but that’s not always easy to do. The good news is, there are some steps you can take to ensure your first interview goes smoothly. Here are our best tips:
Research the company
When you know why the company was founded and what they’re trying to accomplish, you can make a better case for yourself. Before you go in for your interview, make sure you know the company. If possible, read up on their background and mission statement. Know what they do, what they offer to their customers or clients, who their competitors are and anything else that could be relevant to the position being offered. Also learn about how successful they’ve been recently. You don’t need to know everything, but it’s a good sign if the interviewer sees that you researched the company as it shows that you care, and you’re not just job hunting.
Use the job description to understand the company’s culture. A lot of companies are willing to share their company values and mission statements, but they don’t always include them in their job postings. Take some time to read through the organization’s website, or call up someone who works there and ask them about its culture. The more information you have about a potential employer’s culture before your interview starts, the better you’ll be able to tailor your answers so that they match theirs perfectly.
The Role
Use the job description to understand the role within an organization (not just what tasks will be involved). This is important because it allows you to prepare yourself for questions related directly with your immediate responsibilities. Prepare some good questions for the interviewers, this is often overlooked but it can be something that will separate you from the competition.
First impression
When it comes to the first impression you make, it’s important to dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Why? Because most companies will only hire people who fit in with their culture and values. And if you’re going to be working with them day in and day out, your choice of clothing could make or break your chances at being hired.
A simple smile can go a long way when it comes to making a good first impression. You want the interviewer to see that you are friendly and interested in what they have to say, so make sure your body language reflects that confidence.
Be on time. If you’re late for an interview, it’s a sign that you’re not responsible and don’t respect the time of others. Be polite during the conversation and keep the tone professional but friendly.
Make sure that you’re prepared for your interview and know what you need to do in order to make a great first impression. Practice with friends or family members so that when the time comes, it will be less stressful for everyone involved!
Good luck with your interviews!